French Suspect in Greek Arms Scandal On The Lam

Greek authorities are searching for a French banker who they say escaped from house arrest while on trial in Athens for his alleged involvement in corruption linked to major state bribing scandal.

A justice ministry statement charges that Jean-Claude Oswald removed an electronic tagging device he was required to wear and disappeared following his court appearance Tuesday.

Oswald is on trial for money laundering in connection with the alleged bribing of Greek officials by foreign companies who were trying to procure lucrative arms and telecommunications deals. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Oswald was extradited from Abu Dhabi to Greece in 2015. His pretrial detention was later changed to house arrest.